We were fortunate to catch up with some brilliant artists, creatives and entrepreneurs from throughout the Houston area and they share the wisdom with us below.

Zhanae Janae | Creative Director & Entrepreneur

For a long time I didn’t want to, but now I’m really strict on myself to enforce a budget. I say that I live within my art and I’ve always been a person that says if I’m going to do something I’m gonna do my best and give it my all, however I do believe that having a budget and knowing where there are any gaps that you can close is very important. I am a very extravagant but elegant person all mixed up into one, so I love sophisticated flashy style but since I’ve been living with a budget and trying to build my business, I’ve settled for a little bit more of a classic style and it’s helped me to cut back on expenses and invest more into my brand and growing it. Now if I’m splurging, it’s less on nails or clothing, and more on a spa treatment, trip, or an experience. Read more>>

Kyliah Baird | Entrepreneur, Consultant, and Author

This quote is one of the pillars in my life. It stems from when I was on the end of my journey in undergrad and I needed to do whatever it took to cross the finish line. My best friend and I were determined to excel in our goals and get our degree. That quote didn’t just stick to my journey in undergrad, it was something that I applied to my life. I am a determined individual and I will do anything necessary to be successful. No, I won’t cause harm to others or myself to accomplish these tasks, but I will work hard until I see the results that I am most satisfied with seeing. Read more>>

Nachela Knox | Director,Writer,Producer

My favorite scripture is “God Is Within Her, She Will Not Fail” Psalm 46:5. I like this scripture because to me it’s a constant reminder that no matter the obstacles I face as long as I continue to follow God and keep my faith there is no such thing as failure. This gives me the confidence to take on those tough challenges. Read more>>

Samaria Freeman | Filmmaker , Writer , Actress

My success is defined through my emotional fulfillment. Am i happy? How does this certain opportunity make me feel? Are the questions I ask myself all the time. I don’t focus on financial gain , because it doesn’t equate to happiness. I chose filmmaking and writing as my career path because it is my passion . I adore it . It makes my heart smile . So every small step a take is a success to me . Whether I’m working on my own indie film or a bigger project, i’m always grateful and proud of myself ! Read more>>

Olya Dzhumak | Hairstilist&MakeUp artist& Photographer

Hello everyone. My name is Olya Dzhumak.
I am 23 years old.
I am Ukrainian. I have been in the United States for about 2 years.
I am a hairstylist/makeup artist and photographer by profession. Read more>>

Suzanne Aaron | We have a non profit service dog training organization called Tails of Hope

One of the books we encourage our coaches to read – and is worthy of an annul reread – is “Ego is the Enemy” by Ryan Holiday. It reminds us that we must evaluate on our own standards, not on what others see or think, or what the immediate results may be. Always looking for the greater good.. Read more>>

Ashley Jones | Entrepreneur & Mogul of Moisture

A conventional saying I kindly disagree with is “never let them see you sweat.” I believe in embracing our human side, including our imperfections and moments of vulnerability. It’s through authenticity and openness that we can cultivate genuine connections and build a supportive community around us.Read more>>

Brittany Ratelle | Small Business Lawyer

Conventional advice: “You can just run your creative business as a sole prop…you don’ t need to be an LLC until you make more money.” Read more>>

Sadie Pennell | Watercolor Miniaturist

Being in the Fine Arts industry is tough, especially being a hyper-specific niche artist selling to the public. I specialize in a size rather than a subject, with all of my paintings never exceeding 2.4cm x 2.4cm (just shy of an inch). You might be surprised at how many people assume I paint my pieces on a large canvas, scan the piece, then create a shrunken print of it to sell. That, or viewers simply assume I’m selling frames, not realizing the painting within is indeed just that, an intricate and original hand-painted watercolor piece, not a Logo or stamp. It just isn’t something many people have been exposed to. I frequently run into the question, “Why would I pay so much for something so small?” I find that with my work being so small, the size of it is often equated with its perceived value with people thinking small means minimal time, effort, and cost of materials. As far as cost of materials goes, they are spot on – I use VERY little paint. But it’s not about how much my pieces cost to make. Those who purchase my work are paying for the art and the skill and the time. My pieces take hours of unbroken concentration, breath freezing brushstrokes, a ridiculous level of control over the watercolor medium, and is a very rare artform. I think a lot of outsiders are probably unaware of what exactly goes into the creation of a painting so tiny. Read more>>

Kenny B Da Great | Artist, Producer, & Engineer.

The time that goes into the craft. There is no blueprint to music & people think just because you are talented you will wake up rich and famous. It takes a lot of patience. You will spend a lot before you make a lot. Read more>>

Ashley Martin | Loctician/Hairstylist/Makeup Artist

The most difficult decision I’ve had to make was deciding to become a full time loctician/hairstylist and leaving a 9-5 job behind. I had to believe in myself and profession enough to take that leap of faith. I have been a licensed cosmetologist since 2016 and it has been a challenge trying to balance working a job and building up my clientele. Being a single mom trying to provide, it was a challenge figuring out my priorities. Many times I felt like I wanted to quit. I took many breaks. But i knew doing hair was what I was meant to do. Every time I wanted to quit, I was brought right back to it. So I trusted God, took a leap of faith and decided to focus on my passion of doing hair. Read more>>

J. Shon Holifield | Videographer and Photographer

One of the most difficult decisions that I made as a creative was to leave behind an already established business and clientele in Birmingham, Al. I took the risk to relocate in 2019 to grow individually and professionally as a business owner. Being from a smaller city and market, I felt that I hit the ceiling with growth in my industry quickly, so relocating to Atlanta, Ga and essentially starting over, was both a risky and difficult decision. However, looking back, the decision was one of the best ones that I have made in my journey as a business owner thus far. Read more>>